Nitrous Oxide Sedation Program
To help young children relax during medical procedures, MeritCare offers several types of sedation — medicine that calms and reduces anxiety. One form commonly used for children is nitrous oxide.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a quick-acting, sweet-smelling combination of oxygen and nitrogen gases. It is a safe and mild sedative that has been used for more than a century in the medical and dental fields.
How is Nitrous Oxide Given?
Your child will receive nitrous oxide through a mask as they breathe normally. A specially trained nurse or doctor will administer the gas and remain with your child throughout the procedure. A nurse may gently hold the mask in place if younger children resist it.
The nitrous oxide will make your child feel relaxed. However, it will not cause a deep sleep.
The gas will be given shortly before the procedure starts and may continue until after it is finished. During and after sedation, a nurse will monitor your child until the medicine has worn off.
What Can I Expect After the Nitrous Oxide is Stopped?
Once the mask is removed, nitrous oxide wears off rapidly. Your child may be a little disoriented, but this usually lasts a very short time.
Your child may eat right away unless there is a reason not to, such as another medical test.
Once home, your child may participate in normal activities.
How Can I Help My Child?
Before the procedure a Child Life Specialists will provide an age appropriate teaching with your child to ensure questions are answered and that the procedure, including nitrous, is fully explained.
Nitrous works best in an atmosphere that is calm. One parent's voice and low lighting can help.
Reassure and comfort your child and always remember to tell the truth about what is happening. For example, say, "The nurse is putting a mask on your face and you'll breath in some medicine that will help you feel relaxed."
You are welcome to stay in the room while your child is receiving nitrous oxide. For most procedures, you may be able to stay the entire time.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
With all medicines, there are benefits, side effects and risks. Please discuss any questions with the nurse or doctor before the procedure.
Benefits:
- Received through a mask, eliminating anxiety and pain caused by taking oral medications, a shot or IV
- Reduces stress and awareness of pain during the procedure
- Has fewer side effects, such as irritability and dizziness, than other sedatives
- Wears off quickly, reducing recovery time to a few minutes
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Nitrous oxide does not work for everyone. The nurse and doctor will discuss other sedation options with you if the procedure cannot be completed with nitrous oxide.
- It is generally recommended that women in the first trimester of pregnancy avoid exposure to nitrous oxide. It is considered to be safe later in pregnancy and has been commonly used in obstetrics.
Side Effects
Nitrous oxide is safe for children, and there are no long-term side effects. Nausea and vomiting may occur, but studies show that this happens in less than 5% of children. These side effects are much more likely if the child has eaten a large, high-fat meal before the procedure. Please do not give your child anything to eat or drink before sedation.
These concerns can be discussed with a nitrous nurse.
Nitrous might not be effective in some children, but studies show that this may be the case for less than 4% of children. Allergy to nitrous oxide has never been reported, but sometimes medications or equipment used for a procedure may cause allergic reactions.
When Should I Call?
Please call if your child displays the following symptoms following nitrous oxide sedation:
- High fever and chills
- Extreme irritability
- Vomiting more than twice
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as wheezing, a rash or hives
- Difficulty breathing — Call 911
Or if you:
- Have questions about the procedure or results
- Have trouble arousing your child
If you have questions, call Ask-A-Nurse, (701) 234-5000 or (800) 821-5167.